Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
fungus family

fungus family

6.6
A named group of related living things like mushrooms or molds used in biology to show close relation
  • noun
  • /ˈfʌŋɡəs ˈfæmɪli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : familia de hongos
  • Lichens often belong to different fungus families depending on their fungal partner.

Examples

  • The fungus family includes various species of mushrooms.

  • The fungus family Clavicipitaceae includes many parasitic species.

  • Recent studies have led to the reclassification of several fungus families.

  • Some fungus families are crucial for ecological balance.

  • The fungus family that includes chanterelles is known for its delicious and edible members.

  • Scientists discovered a new species within the fungus family that thrives in tropical rainforests.

  • Many species from the fungus family can be found growing in damp, shady areas of the woods.

Surface Forms

fungus family singular
fungus families plural

Morphology

fungus + family

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining 'fungus' (a member of the Fungi kingdom) with 'family' (a taxonomic grouping), so it denotes a taxonomic family of fungi. This type+category compounding is a common, predictable pattern in English (and cross-linguistically), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

The phrase fungus family comes from the image of a human family: fungus is a kind of living thing and family is a group of close relatives, so fungi that are alike are put together like relatives. So, fungus family means a 'group' of related fungi.